Open Source Intelligence in the Context of the Military

Abstract

Information and communication technologies and the social media platforms that are closely linked to them are one of the fastest changing and evolving areas today. In the
present, by sharing a picture, posting a story, or accepting certain ‘cookie’ settings, our every move and interest can be tracked. Advances in technology have created the unique situation where irresponsible, insecure users are very easily tracked and intercepted. The aim of my research is a complex study of OSINT devices and infocommunication technologies in military aspects. Currently, open-source information acquisition is only a very narrowly investigated area in our country, and this is what prompted me to focus on this area. Based on my preliminary analyses (typically by examining international literature), I have concluded that OSINT activities will have an increasing impact on military operations, and therefore I consider it of utmost importance to carry out a research and analysis work in this direction. Through my research questions, I have structured my findings thematically, the details of which are presented in the first half of this study.